Thornton, now 36, served as a fourth-line fixture for the Bruins after signing with them in 2007. He posted career highs with 10 goals and 10 assists for 22 points in the Bruins’ Stanley Cup-winning 2010-11 season.

Last season proved to be a tough one for Thornton, as his line struggled and he was given a 15-game suspension for an on-ice incident with then-Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik. Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli informed Thornton last month that the team would not be re-signing him.

Thornton, who hails from Oshawa, Ontario, has long said he will continue to live in Boston, where he has become known for his multiple charitable efforts.